Moving to a new city alone away from the comfortzone of home is one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences anyone can face, and I’ve found myself right in the middle of it. It can feel overwhelming at first, especially when you’re adjusting to a new place. You learn to be independent, solve problems on your own, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had.
It’s been three months since I moved to this bustling metro city for my first job. Living alone, away from family, old friends, and everything familiar has brought a unique set of challenges and surprises, each of which has taught me something new about myself and about life. This blog share my personal journey the highs, lows, and lessons learned so far and offers practical tips for those stepping out first time.
The Thrill and Challenge of a Fresh Start
The rush of independence, a sense that I’m stepping into the “real world.” I was eager to settle into my new role as an AI/ML Engineer and experience a city that I’d previously only visited occasionally. Moving alone means setting up everything from scratch finding an apartment, getting the basics for the place, figuring out commutes, learning how to budget things that seem straightforward but can feel like a lot when done solo for the first time.
Reality check:
Before moved, I always thought living alone would be great. I imagined making my own decisions, having no one to disturb me, and doing whatever I wanted. But within a few weeks, the weight of loneliness began to set in. It became clear how much family and friends truly matter. Even though I was surrounded by millions in the city, I felt isolated. It made me realize that when you start fresh, you have to build everything from scratch making new friends and building good relationships at work place/college.
The PG (Paying Guest) room:
PG means a rented room or a floor with a room, kitchen, and washroom. I needed a room quickly before joining,so I opted for a random room close to my office. Luckily, it turned out to be not bad at all. But the food quality was terrible initially. When we complained, it improved a bit, and at least it became edible after that. My room partner only comes on weekends for two days when I goes home, due to his hybrid work. Most of the time, it's just me alone on the floor.
The Reality Check:
Living in PG is somewhere between a hostel and a flat neither the best nor the worst. It’s more about surviving than thriving, and it doesn’t offer the quality of life you might expect. Issues like poor food quality, inconsistent cleaning, and unreliable network connections are common. If you're a working professional, I do recommend opting for a flat instead, as it offers more privacy, better living conditions, and a higher quality of life overall.
Self-Discipline ∞
Living alone has made you realize the importance of having a daily routine. Without family around, there’s no one to remind you to wake up, cook meals, or take care of basic chores. Self-discipline is crucial. Establishing small routines has helped me a lot. For instance, I start my mornings with a bit of exercise, a complete brackfast and go to office. In the evenings, I relax by practicing new coding skills, and at night, I unwind with a good book. This routine helps me stay focused and brings a sense of stability to my days.
Reality Check:
However, I’ve realized that I’ve fallen into a loop a routine that, while structured, feels unfulfilling. I’m not satisfied with just going through the motions. It’s easy to get caught in this cycle of habits, but I know I need to break out from it and find deeper purpose and satisfaction in my daily life.
Financial Independence
One of the biggest lessons has been learning to budget effectively. In the past, I didn’t have to worry as much about where my money went, but now, with monthly expenses around 10-12k rupees, budgeting has become a daily priority. From rent and groceries to transportation and utilities, I quickly learned to prioritize essentials over splurges.
This approach not only helps me save money but also keeps me focused on what truly matters. Living simply doesn’t mean giving up on enjoyment it’s about making thoughtful choices with your spending. I have reduced spending on expensive clothes and skipped unnecessary office luxuries like daily Starbucks runs, prioritizing what adds real value to my life instead.
Reality Check:
If you’re living in a metro city like Mumbai, Delhi or Kolkata, managing finances can feel overwhelming. The high cost of living makes it challenging to stick to a budget. But the hard truth is, earning as much as you can is essential it’s what keeps you stable and thriving at the end of the day.
Importance of Meaningful Connections
One of the hardest adjustments has been dealing with the emotional distance from family and close friends. Someone once said that, "Less emotions, more work." I agreed initially, but living here changed my perspective after all, we’re human, not AI robots.No matter the situation, always keep the people who matter to you in your thoughts.
In your pg/hostel area or office, you meet all kinds of people, from housekeepers to CEOs. Building good relationships with everyone matters. For instance, the owner of my PG and I have become close in just a few days, and they trust me a lot. At work, my HR, team lead and teammates know me well, not just for my work but for how I carry myself.
A single phone call can melt your entire day’s stress or turn a bad day into something much better. My mother has never missed a day without calling me, and her voice brings me recharge.
I remember a time when work stress left me completely drained, my mind unable to function. That time a thoughtful message from a friend helped me relax and stay grounded. Her chats, even if virtual, have been incredibly comforting. This is showing me that even if people aren’t right beside you, they can still be a source of strength.
I’m also lucky to have some school and college friends who stay in touch and come over to hang out. And my riding group? They’re like oxygen to me, always helping me recharge.
Reality Check:
The connection between people is delicate, and relationships often shift with time. People come and go that’s one of the inevitable truths of life. Trying to hold on to everyone is pointless. Instead, let go of those who choose to leave, by your side give your 100% . And the rare ones who never leave, who stay with you through everytime, never let them go. They’re the ones who make life truly meaningful.
Health:
Health is essential without it, nothing else can fall into place. Over the past year and a half, my health has taken a serious hit due to the stress from college, placements, and projects. I have dealt with issues like vitamin deficiency, which caused swelling in my face, along with anxiety and depression. Despite the ongoing pressure at work, I’m doing my best to balance my health and work life. During this time, Stay away from compromising your health for trendy hostel food, alcohol, smoking, or any other harmful habits. Focus on eating healthy, plan a proper diet, and stick to it.
Reality Check:
Sometimes, it’s not possible to take care of yourself completely on your own. The workload can mess up your diet plan, but try to fix it. Make time for the gym and create a routine with expert guidance.
Set a Realistic Routine: Plan your day to include time for exercise, healthy meals, and rest. Even 30 minutes of physical activity can make a difference.
Meal Prep: Prepare your meals in advance to avoid unhealthy food choices when you're busy. Simple, balanced meals like salads, grilled chicken, or grain bowls are easy to pack and carry.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay energized and keep your body functioning well.
Prioritize Sleep: Good sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Aim for 7-8 hours a night and create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down.
Take Breaks: Don’t skip breaks, even during work or study. A 5-minute walk or stretching session can help refresh your mind and body.
Limit Junk Food: Stay away from processed or junk food, even if it’s convenient. Focus on whole foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.
Find a Workout Buddy: If you're finding it hard to stay motivated, ask a friend or colleague to join you for workouts. It’s a great way to keep each other accountable.
Seek Expert Advice: If you’re struggling with diet or exercise, consider talking to a nutritionist or personal trainer for guidance tailored to your needs.
A Practical Guide
If you’re thinking about living alone in a new city, my advice is to prepare for a journey of ups and downs. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. Here are some tips that I’ve found helpful
1. Budget Carefully: Know your income and expenses well, and try to save where you can. Home-cooked meals, small luxuries, and a little planning go a long way.
2. Stay Connected: Even if you’re physically alone, make an effort to connect with people who matter to you. A quick call or chat can be a huge comfort.
3. Build Routines: Structure brings stability. Set a schedule for work, chores, and downtime to keep you grounded.
4. Embrace the Learning Curve: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Embrace the small wins and remember that you’re getting stronger each day. Learn to enjoy your own company, explore new hobbies, and find things you love about your space and city.
Conclusion
Living alone has been one of the most transformative experiences of my life. Every day, I’m learning more about resilience, independence, and the power of friendship. It’s not just about adapting to a new place; it’s about finding myself and building a life that’s truly my own.